Ticket feature: Wiener Nationals set for Saturday

File photo The third annual Wiener Nationals are set for Saturday at 11 a.m. at Hillcrest Park. Admission to the races is free with donations given to the High Plains Humane Society.

Freedom New Mexico

The third annual Wiener Nationals is taking place Saturday morning at Hillcrest Park.

The event, designed to raise money for the High Plains Humane Society’s spay and neuter program, is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. with registration at 9 a.m., said Jim Hailey, owner of Clovis’ Der Wienerschnitzel.

Hailey said the Wiener Nationals are a nationwide event held by Der Wienerschnitzel, usually in larger communities, but he said Clovis’ event has proven the largest in the nation.

Last year, he said, more than 1,000 people turned out to watch the 80 dogs that were entered. There were 88 racers the year prior.

“It’s a good, family half-a-day,” he said. “It’s just a nice family venue.”

Hailey said dogs are lined up eight at a time for preliminary heats and narrowed to finalists.

The event includes hot dogs, provided free by Wienerschnitzel.

The overall winner receives $250 and an all-expenses paid trip to San Diego to race in a national championship during half-time at the Holiday Bowl.

Hailey said the fundraising goal for the event is $750, which would top the first year, when about $700 was raised.

Competing dogs, full-blooded dachshunds only, need to check in by 9 a.m., and entry forms will be available at the gate, he said.